The Senate selected Marcus Cocceius Nerva, a respected senator and former consul, to be the new emperor. Nerva, who was 65 years old at the time, was chosen not because of his military prowess or imperial bloodline, but because of his reputation as a just and moderate ruler. He was seen as someone who could restore stability to Rome, heal the divisions left by Domitian, and reconcile the various factions within the empire.
Nerva’s Reign and His Significance
Upon becoming emperor, Nerva faced the daunting task of rebuilding the empire after the tumultuous and bloody reign of Domitian. One of his first acts was to grant amnesty to those who had been persecuted during Domitian’s rule, signaling a shift toward a more conciliatory and moderate form of governance. He also worked to restore the Senate’s authority and took steps to repair the strained relationship between the emperor and the aristocracy.
However, Nerva’s reign was short, lasting only from 96 CE to his death in 98 CE. Despite his limited time in power, Nerva made a lasting impact on the imperial succession system. Recognizing that his age and health made him an unlikely long-term ruler, Nerva adopted Trajan, a popular and capable general, as his successor. This act of adoption set a precedent for future emperors, where an emperor would adopt a capable and promising individual to be their successor, ensuring the stability and continuity of the empire. shutdown123